Should You Leave Fairy Rings Alone?

Pretty in name, less so when they appear across your lawn. Fairy rings might sound like something out of a fairytale—delicate circles gracing your lawn as if tiny woodland creatures danced there overnight. But while they carry a whimsical charm in folklore, the reality is a bit less magical for homeowners who take pride in a healthy, uniform lawn.

These mysterious rings often show up without warning, sparking curiosity and sometimes concern. Are they harmless? Do they mean something’s wrong with your soil? Should you treat them—or just let them be? 

In this article, we’ll break down what fairy rings really are, why they form, when they might be a problem, and how to handle them if needed. Plus, we’ll share tips on preventing them in the first place—and how NutriPod® can help you give your lawn the strong, healthy start it needs to resist fungal issues from the ground up.

What Are Fairy Rings?

Fairy rings are caused by soil-borne fungi that feed on organic matter beneath your lawn. As the fungi grow outward in a circular pattern, they affect the surrounding grass in a few distinct ways, leading to what are categorized as the following:

• Type I: Dead or dying grass in a ring due to fungal byproducts or hydrophobic (water-repellent) soil.
• Type II: A ring of lusher, darker green grass caused by the release of nitrogen from decomposing organic material.
• Type III: A ring of mushrooms appears, usually without much impact on grass health.

Some of the most common fungi responsible for fairy rings include Marasmius oreades, Lepiota, and Agaricus species. These fungi are naturally present in soil, and under the right conditions—especially in warm, moist environments—they begin to thrive and spread.

What’s interesting is how these rings form. As the fungus expands outward from a central point, it depletes organic matter in the soil, which can cause the grass to die or become water-resistant. At the same time, it can release nutrients that make the surrounding grass look greener and thicker. Mushrooms are often the most visible clue, but they’re just the fruiting bodies of a much larger underground fungal network.

Should You Be Concerned About Fairy Rings?

Fairy rings often appear after periods of heavy rain, when the soil is moist and temperatures are favorable for fungal growth. Whether or not they’re cause for concern depends on how your lawn reacts to their presence.

In many cases, fairy rings are cosmetic and temporary. If you see a ring of mushrooms but your grass looks healthy and green, there may be no need to intervene. But sometimes, fairy rings bring along some problems:

• Hydrophobic soil: The fungus can create a waxy barrier in the soil, making it hard for water to reach the grass roots.
• Poor grass growth or dead patches: Type I fairy rings can cause visible damage, including yellowing or dying turf.
• Pet or child hazards: Some mushrooms are toxic if ingested, posing a risk to curious pets and kids.
• Environmental triggers: Compacted soil, poor drainage, and excessive thatch can all make fairy rings worse or harder to eliminate.

If your lawn is already stressed, a fairy ring can tip it over the edge into more serious damage.

Can You Leave Fairy Rings Alone?

The answer: sometimes, yes. If your fairy ring is small, not spreading, and your grass remains healthy, it’s perfectly fine to leave it alone. Mushrooms can be removed manually if they’re unsightly, and the ring might even disappear on its own over time. Here’s when you can leave fairy rings alone:

• They don’t cause visible harm to the lawn.

• Mushrooms are sparse and manageable.

• You’re not concerned about pets or children being exposed.

However, intervention is recommended when the grass within the ring appears yellow, brown, or dead, indicating that the fungi are affecting turf health. Mushrooms that are large, frequent, or growing in high-traffic areas can also pose a slipping hazard or risk to pets and children. Additionally, if the rings are expanding or showing up in multiple spots across the lawn, it’s a sign that the fungal activity is spreading. When the issue recurs or worsens each season, it often means the underground fungal colony is thriving. At that point, some hands-on care is needed to restore balance.

How to Manage and Remove Fairy Rings

If your fairy rings are causing damage or you simply want them gone, there are several approaches to take.

Cultural Control Methods

Start with non-chemical practices, focusing on improving soil health and airflow:

Aeration: Core aerate your lawn to relieve soil compaction and help water penetrate deep into the root zone.

Watering: Water deeply and slowly to reach the roots below the fungal mat and rehydrate dry or water-repellent soil.

Thatch Removal: Dethatch the lawn to remove built-up organic matter that fungi feed on.

Chemical Options

Fungicides can be used, but they’re most effective early in the ring's development and when used along cultural practices. Choose a product labeled for fairy ring control, and apply according to the package instructions. Keep in mind that fungicides may not work well alone if the fungus has already established a deep network.

Long-Term Practices

Fairy rings are persistent, but with proactive lawn care, you can reduce the chances of seeing them return.

• Avoid over-fertilizing, which may feed the fungus.

• Keep your mowing blades sharp and cut at the recommended height for your grass type.

• Ensure consistent watering and proper drainage.

• Watch for signs of lush rings, mushrooms, or odd discoloration and act before problems spread.

NutriPod™ Grass Fertilizer: A Smart Start for a Healthy Lawn

One of the fundamental steps to prevent problems like fairy rings is to give your grass a strong start—and that’s where NutriPod® comes in.

NutriPod® is a drop-and-go grass fertilizer specially designed for use with SodPods® grass plugs, making lawn repairs simple and effective. Whether you’re planting a new lawn or patching damaged areas from fairy rings or other issues, NutriPod® ensures your grass plugs get the essential nutrients they need right from the start.

Why NutriPod® Works:

• Delivers a balanced dose of nutrients directly to the root zone. With a 17-1-10 NPK ratio, NutriPod® is formulated to accelerate growth up to two times faster, giving young grass the strong start it needs.
• Encourages fast root establishment and stress resilience. This is especially important in areas recovering from fungal damage or environmental stress, where strong roots help the lawn bounce back more quickly.
• Helps new plugs spread faster and stronger, making it harder for fungi to take hold. A thick, vigorous lawn leaves less room for fungal spores to settle and grow, naturally reducing the risk of future outbreaks.

If a fairy ring has left a dead patch in your yard, simply remove the damaged turf, plug in new SodPods®, and drop a NutriPod® beneath each one. With consistent watering, you’ll have healthy, spreading grass that quickly fills the gap.

NutriPod® doesn’t fix damage—it sets your lawn up to thrive in the long run, making it more resistant to lawn fungi and other common stressors.

Final Thoughts

Fairy rings may look like nature’s way of decorating your lawn, but what lies beneath can be a nuisance—or worse—for turf health. The good news is, not all fairy rings need to be treated. Many are cosmetic and can be left alone, especially if they’re not doing any harm.

But if you notice signs of stress, dead patches, or spreading fungi, it’s worth taking action. With the right combination of cultural practices, proper soil care, and smart fertilization, you can restore your lawn and keep it protected.

NutriPod® is the perfect companion to SodPods®—giving each grass plug the nutrients it needs to establish quickly, grow strong, and resist fungal threats like fairy rings. If you’re filling in bare spots, using NutriPod® with SodPods® ensures your lawn gets the healthy start it needs to thrive.